Power steering conversion

[gcwill2011]

My 1st scout conversion was done because the po hacked in a sag conversion out frt and butchered the frt crossmember. I was continually repairing it. Finally it was beyond repair. I had to replace the crossmember and scab/strengthen the left frame rail, then adapt the scout box. I like the scout setup much better. The drag link has better geometry with the tierod, that's why I adapted one on my other 40. The only thing I really changed was moving and altering the stk shock tower instead of using the one from ford, which i didn't care for.

Hello, Posting as a reply as well…I was reading your post that you had to replace the get crossmember due to a hack PS upgrade. I’ve got the same problem and think I need to replace. Going to reinforce for PS mount too (Saginaw). What’s involved in replacing the crossmember? TIA

 

[knuckle47]

That’s about what I figured based on the research I did while planning out my Scout II steering conversion. I’m far from being an expert since I’ve only done/driven the one conversion. That said I have read everything I could get my hands on over the last 10 years.

For hardcore rock crawling with bigger tires, boxes are often drilled and tapped for a Rock Ram (by whatever name). With 32-34” the 80 box will be fine. They’re stronger than mini-truck boxes, and even mini-truck boxes are considered good up to 33s for most use.

Increased pump pressure will make for lighter steering. Saginaw pumps can be tweaked to increase volume and pressure. I’d expect similar things could be done with Toyota pumps. With mine I adjusted it to increase pressure to the higher end of normal. With these adjustments, I can turn the 33s with one finger (or palm of hand) on dry pavement.

Mini-truck boxes are assist. 60/70/80 are stronger and give more boost. Saginaw are sometimes referred to as steering on novocaine… with no road feel. My setup doesn’t feel light, but there’s no road feel.

You touched on something I need to address: you had mentioned the Saginaw pump can be adjusted for more or less pressure. I would like to decrease the pressure since my steering is so light, it’s almost uncomfortable for me. My Chevy pickup steers easily but still stiffer than the FJ40. Can you point me in the direction of what I would do to decrease pump pressure?

 

[pb4ugo]

Hello, Posting as a reply as well…I was reading your post that you had to replace the get crossmember due to a hack PS upgrade. I’ve got the same problem and think I need to replace. Going to reinforce for PS mount too (Saginaw). What’s involved in replacing the crossmember? TIA

Removing the crossmember wasn't bad. Remove the fenders, bib, rad support and bumper. Drill or grind the rivet off. I think there's 3 on top and on the bottom on each side. I used my hilift jack and spread the frame rails apart and knocked in and out the crossmember. I used grade 8 bolts and nuts. I think I tacked the nuts. In hind site I would use button head socket caps. They sort of look like rivets.
That area of the frame is a high flex area, so I avoided welding any seams, and was one of the reasons I changed to a scout style box. If you're going back to sag steering I would reinforce the hole in the new crossmember. Unfortunately that requires welding in that corner.

 

[gcwill2011]

Removing the crossmember wasn't bad. Remove the fenders, bib, rad support and bumper. Drill or grind the rivet off. I think there's 3 on top and on the bottom on each side. I used my hilift jack and spread the frame rails apart and knocked in and out the crossmember. I used grade 8 bolts and nuts. I think I tacked the nuts. In hind site I would use button head socket caps. They sort of look like rivets.
That area of the frame is a high flex area, so I avoided welding any seams, and was one of the reasons I changed to a scout style box. If you're going back to sag steering I would reinforce the hole in the new crossmember. Unfortunately that requires welding in that corner.

Super helpful. Thank you. I would consider switching to the scout style box. Do you have a part number or model.

 

[pb4ugo]

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, Scout boxes are getting pretty scarce. FJ60 and FJ80's mount the same way and are more plentiful. There's plenty threads if you search scout fj60 steering. I think its a cleaner look and maybe less stress on the frame. The dragink is more parallel to the tie rod.